If there is only one destination you can visit in Costa Rica, make it La Fortuna! La Fortuna is the name of the town and Arenal is the name of the volcano that shapes the history and the geography of this town.
All the outstanding elements of nature that Costa Rica stands for, you will find representation here (well, sans beaches). Volcano and lava trails, waterfalls and hot springs, animals and birds, hanging bridges and zip-lining, canyoning and rafting, and so much more.
The range of activities in the region is so diverse that La Fortuna can hook all types of travelers, whether you are on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a friends trip or on a solo adventure. Located in the northern plains, the town is well connected with other important destinations in Costa Rica. So, it makes it easy to include La Fortuna and Arenal in most Costa Rica itinerary combinations.
Here is our complete travel guide for La Fortuna and Arenal. We will cover the best things to do, share our recommendations on the best places to eat and the best hotels to stay, and other important information that will help you plan your La Fortuna trip.
Quick Resources for La Fortuna and Arenal
🌟 Top Attractions: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs, Hanging Bridges.
🚐 Top Tours with Transportation, Lunch, Guide:
- Combo Tour 1: Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano
- Combo Tour 2: Arenal Volcano, Waterfall, Hot Springs
- Pure Trek Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
🏨 Where to Stay: La Fortuna and Arenal Best Hotels Guide
🚗 How to Get Around: Rent a car. 10% discount and other freebies here.
21 Things to Do in La Fortuna and Arenal, Costa Rica
From ultimate relaxation to high adrenaline adventures, there are plenty of things to do in La Fortuna and Arenal. Some of the activities are right in town, some are a short drive away, while for others you can make a day trip.
La Fortuna Town Center
Before venturing out for exploring all the fun that lies around La Fortuna, start with exploring the town center. A beautifully landscaped central park sits in front of the main church, Parroquia San Juan Bosco. Many shops, restaurants and cafes surround this central square of church and park. And every moment of every day, the bustling activities of the town center are silently observed by the mighty Arenal Volcano, that towers over the town of La Fortuna.
Wherever you go in La Fortuna and Arenal, you are likely to get a direct view of the volcano. However, note that on rainy and cloudy days, the views of the volcano may be completely obstructed by rain, cloud or mist. More about that later, when we discuss the best time to visit La Fortuna.
Arenal Volcano National Park
This is the national park that protects the area of its namesake volcano, Arenal. For up close views of the Arenal volcano and intimate encounters with old lava trails, consider a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park. There are two sectors of the park, the Volcano Sector and the Peninsula Sector.
In the Volcano Sector, apart from viewpoints and forest trails, you can walk on the old solidified lava from the 1992 eruptions of Arenal volcano. The Peninsula Sector is a newer addition to the national park. The trails here go through the forest and along the shores of Arenal Lake. A watch tower and an observation deck offer views of Arenal Volcano from vantage points.
Arenal 1968
An alternative to Arenal Volcano National Park is Arenal 1968 Mirador y Senderos. It is a private reserve with trails through forests and on old solidified lava rocks from the 1968 eruptions of Arenal Volcano. All along the hike, you can observe the Arenal Volcano standing tall, from different perspectives.
If you need to choose between Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal 1968, we would recommend the latter. While both are great options, the trails of Arenal 1968 have nicer views, especially from the summit point on the trail.
Like volcanoes? Read about an epic volcano adventure in Guatemala:
Hot Springs of La Fortuna
The close proximity of Arenal volcano has paved the path for several thermal water fed hot springs in La Fortuna. In fact, relaxing at a thermal pool is one of the top things to do in La Fortuna.
There are several hot springs resorts in town, of varying budgets. Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Baldi Hot Springs, Hotel Los Lagos, The Springs Resort and Spa are some of the popular options, either for stay or for their day passes to access the thermal pools.
Some, like Eco Termales and Relax Termalitas, offer only thermal pools and dining options, without any accommodation.
You can also find free hot springs in La Fortuna, commonly known as Rio Chollin or Mini Tabacon.
El Salto Rope Swing
If you are looking for some adventurous, fun and free thing to do in La Fortuna, go to El Salto Rope Swing.
Just as the name suggests, you go there to swing by a rope, and then jump into a waterfall pool!
Even if you do not wish to try this stunt, it is a chill place to hang out in nature. From the rope swing spot, walk further along the river bank to find secluded picturesque places by the river.
When we visited, Indranil had fun trying the rope swing a little too many times (watch the video clip below). Later, we relaxed in the river, surrounded by the beautiful rainforest.
How to Get There: Before a bridge crossing over the Fortuna river, just off the highway, you start walking towards the river. Follow the Google Maps location to get near to the bridge, and when you are there, you will know. There are sign boards along the muddy trail about the safety precautions to be aware of at this place. You will know that you are on the right path, and then, few steps down that path, the rope swing will soon be visible to you.
Bogarin Trail
Have you ever seen a sloth in the wild? If not, add a guided tour at Bogarin Trail in your Costa Rica vacation plan.
Bogarin Trail is a perfect example of how nature takes its own course when left to grow on its own. Once a farmland, this private reserve is now full of dense vegetation, which the three-toed sloths of La Fortuna find it safe to call home. Go on a guided hike at Bogarin so that you can rely of the expert eyes to help you spot some sloths.
Not just sloths, Bogarin Trail is also great for sighting birds of several species, both land and aquatic.
For a self-guided or a guided tour of Bogarin Trail, book directly from their website’s tour booking page.
But if you prefer a more flexible reservation option, book the same guided tour on Viator, offered by Bogarin Trail, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Wildlife Night Tour
Some creatures are easier to spot in the darkness of the night. Like Costa Rica’s iconic red-eyed tree frog. We have seen this beauty several times in various parts of Costa Rica. But our first ever sighting of the red-eyed tree frog was in La Fortuna, and it was only the first of many others that we saw here.
Go on a guided night walk in La Fortuna, and you will discover species of amphibians, arthropods, reptiles, mammals and birds that you would not otherwise have spotted during your day hikes.
Night Tour Recommendations
✨ This is a highly rated wildlife night tour that takes place about 7-8 minutes drive from the La Fortuna town center.
It is a small group tour where the guide focuses on findings frogs and other nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. You can choose from 3 different time slots, starting from 5:30 pm.
The tour price includes flashlights and bottled water for all visitors. However, you have to make your own way to the tour starting point. So, you can book Uber or hire a local taxi commute to and from the starting point of this night tour in La Fortuna.
✨ If you like your transportation for the tour to be taken care of, book this rainforest walk tour with authentic Costa Rican dinner.
This tour takes place a bit further away from La Fortuna, in a town called La Tigra. However, all logistics are taken care of.You will be picked up from your hotel for a comfortable 45-minutes ride in a minivan to the tour starting point. During the tour, your guide will help you spot bats, birds and frogs in the nighttime atmosphere of the rainforest. At the end of the tour, you will be treated to a tasty dinner prepared on wood burning stove.
This rainforest night tour starts at 5:00 pm and includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, flashlights, bottled water, dinner and the services of a professional guide.
Related Reading: Wildlife in Costa Rica
Birdwatching Tour
The rainforests in La Fortuna are home to more than 500 species of birds.
If you have keen eyes for birding, you are likely to spot several species on your hikes in the national park and in the various reserves. You may even observe dozens of species from the comfort of your hotel balcony or trails on the hotel property.
Couple of hotels that are great for birding are Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails and Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis.
But if you are not experienced in spotting birds by yourself but enjoy the activity or if you want to significantly increase your chances of bird sightings, sign up for a guided birdwatching tour in La Fortuna.
Children’s Eternal Rainforest: Pocosol Station
Children’s Eternal Rainforest is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. It derives its name because this huge piece of land was purchased and protected due to the fundraising efforts of children from around the world.
The reserve has fours sectors that allow public access for hiking on the trails to learn about the flora and fauna. One of those is the Pocosol Station, which you can visit from La Fortuna. From town, it takes about an hour to reach the station. 4X4 vehicle is recommended for this drive.
The trails at Pocosol Station will take you through primary and secondary rainforests, complemented with nice valley views. Birdwatchers pay attention, because you are likely to spot several species of birds during your hike.
If you are fond of nature and birding, a day trip to Pocosol can be a nice addition to your list of activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.
Related Reading: Children’s Eternal Rainforest – Bajos del Tigre Reserve, that can be visited from Monteverde.
La Fortuna Waterfall
A flight of 500 stairs will take you to a charming white waterfall that drops 70 meters into an emerald pool. That is Catarata La Fortuna for you. Feel the water drops from the waterfall splash on your face, enjoy the views from the observation deck, swim in the nearby river shallows – there are several ways to enjoy La Fortuna waterfall.
With ample parking space, an onsite restaurant, facilities of showers and lockers in the bathroom and free WiFi, you can easily plan to spend an entire day at La Fortuna waterfall. It is also easy to reach from town, as it is a less than 10 minutes drive or taxi ride away from town.
For a visual experience, you can watch our YouTube video of La Fortuna waterfall.
Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
Want to add adventure to your waterfall expeditions in La Fortuna and Arenal? Try canyoning and waterfall rappelling. Holding on to only ropes, take the leap of faith as you go down one waterfall after another.
In Arenal, Pure Trek offers an excellent canyoning and waterfall rappelling tour. On this tour, you get to experience 4 waterfall rappels, 1 wall rappel and other jumps and drops. For sure, this is an adventure activity, and one that will get you wet!
Canyoning with Pure Trek is a half day tour that includes transportation, bilingual guides, all necessary equipment, lunch and snacks. Booking from Viator, you have the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
One of the unique ways to experience the rainforests of Costa Rica is the hanging bridges tour. You will be surrounded by the dense and lush vegetation, not only from all sides, but from also below your feet. At the hanging bridges parks, you get to walk on a series of suspension bridges that lies several feet above the ground.
For your trip to La Fortuna and Arenal, spend a morning at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. Apart from the hanging bridges, here you will also get to see a hummingbird garden, a waterfall and views of Arenal volcano on a clear weather day.
Related Reading: Hanging Bridges of Monteverde
Sky Adventures
If you enjoy the hanging bridges of Arenal, take your adventures up another notch. Sign up for a zip-lining tour.
Sky Adventures Arenal is the best place for a canopy tour in Arenal. Offering terrific views, there are 7 zip lines one after another, some of which boast to be among the longest and the fastest lines in the country.
Apart from zip-lining, you can choose other activities at Sky Adventures, like hanging bridges, canyoning and aerial tram rides, among others. There is also a famous viewpoint with a big hand, called “Hand of Arenal”, that provides great photo ops with the Arenal Lake in the background.
Choose from individual experiences of Sky Trek, Sky Walk, Sky Tram, or buy a package of multiple activities. You can book online directly on the Sky Adventures website.
However, if you need transportation to and from your hotel and the assistance of a guide, you may want to book this guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop off, and all the activities of Sky Adventures.
Related Reading: Zip-lining in Monteverde
Arenal Lake
Located at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Lake is the largest landlocked waterbody in Costa Rica. Just the sight of the lake is beautiful, but you can also enjoy it by other means.
You can go on a boat tour that will give you a ride around the lake, with views of the volcano. If you are looking for something more active, you can choose from kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddle boarding on Lake Arenal.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Rio Celeste is one of the most magical waterfalls in Costa Rica. A striking sky blue color characterizes the natural pool where the waterfall plunges. The waterfall is part of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. So, in addition to visiting this waterfall, you can also explore the other trail where you will come across various secondary volcanic activities.
It takes almost 1.5 hours for driving from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste waterfall. You will also need a few hours to explore the trails at the national park and absorb the beauty of the place. So, Rio Celeste makes for a great full day trip from La Fortuna.
For a preplanned travel day, book this full-day tour to Rio Celeste. The tour price includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop off, lunch in a local restaurant, entrance ticket and services of a guide.
There are no direct public transportation options to get to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna. So, if you do not want a long day of driving, this tour is a good option to experience the magical colors of Rio Celeste waterfall and river.
Related Reading: Best Waterfalls of Costa Rica
Balsa River White Water Rafting
The proximity of Arenal to various rivers creates various rafting opportunities.
One of the most common is rafting on the Balsa River with Class II and Class III rapids. As you navigate in the river, you also get to see wildlife in the surrounding rainforests and in the water. So, keep an eye out for these sightings.
If you seek more thrill out of your rafting adventure and want to raft in higher grade rapids, go for rafting on the Class III and Class IV rapids of Upper Balsa.
The rafting tour prices include transportation from your hotel in La Fortuna, all necessary equipment, guide, tropical fruits and lunch at a restaurant in town.
Peñas Blancas River Safari Float
A calmer alternative to river rafting is a river safari float. Less than half an hour’s drive away from La Fortuna, you can embark on this journey on the Peñas Blancas river.
You sit on a float (raft) and gently float down the river. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, while looking out for wildlife, up in the trees, on the banks or in the water.
From La Fortuna, it is a half-day tour that includes transportation, snacks and services of a guide.
Note: Due to the similarity in nature of these two tours, you can do one of them: Peñas Blancas River Safari Float or Pure Nature Safari Float.
River floating reminds us a wonderful activity we did in Drake Bay. It was about floating on the river, but not on any raft. It was about simply letting ourselves go as our bodies floated down the river. Here you can read about our Rio Claro floating experience.
Pure Nature Safari Float
Pure Nature Safari Float is a similar activity like that of the Peñas Blancas River Safari Float. You get to observe wildlife while enjoying the peaceful ride. But in this one, your raft floats down the Frio river, which is the main water source for Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge.
This is another half-day activity from La Fortuna, and the tour price includes transportation, snacks and services of a guide.
Note: Due to the similarity in nature of these two tours, you can do one of them: Peñas Blancas River Safari Float or Pure Nature Safari Float.
Caño Negro Boat Safari
You can also explore the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge by going on a boat tour.
In 1991, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge was declared a RAMSAR site of world importance for the preservation of ecosystems and aquifers. UNESCO declared the refuge a Biosphere Reserve in 2007.
This protected are is home for many endangered species, and is also one of the best birding sites of Costa Rica. So keep your camera ready to capture some rare sightings, while quietly cruising down the river.
Caño Negro Boat Safari is a full-day tour from La Fortuna. The tour price includes transportation, all entrance fees, lunch and services of a guide. If you wish, you can also switch your boat ride for canoeing or kayaking.
Related Reading: Things to Do in Costa Rica
Venado Caves
Venado Caves constitue one of a kind tourist attraction in Costa Rica. Undiscovered until the 1940s, this series of caves offer a peek into the unique stalactite and stalagmite formations underground.
If you are visiting Venado Caves, prepare to get wet and dirty, crawl through cramped spaces and get up close with the inhabitants of the caves, like bats and insects. Sounds scary? But that is exactly what adds to the thrill of visiting Venado Caves.
The caves are located 41 km (25 miles) from La Fortuna town center, and the drive takes about 45 minutes. The site is open all days of the week, between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.
If you are not renting a car, you can book this guided tour with transportation to explore Venado Caves.
Coffee and Chocolate Tour
If you want to take a break from all the hiking and the adventurous activities in La Fortuna and Arenal, a nice relaxing option is Coffee and Chocolate Tour. Costa Rica is word renowned for its top grade coffee and chocolate. So, by signing up for this tour, you will get to know all the “behind the scene” processes that result in such fine quality produces.
The tour usually lasts for about 2 hours. Over this period, you will walk through different areas of the farm and the processing centers to observe and learn, the entire process of bean to cup of coffee and bean to bar of chocolate.
Don Juan Tours Arenal and North Field Cafe are couple of family owned businesses that offer Coffee and Chocolate Tours in La Fortuna.
Related Reading: Bribri Chocolate Tour with Indigenous Community of Caribbean Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit La Fortuna and Arenal
Costa Rica has only two seasons, dry and rainy, and La Fortuna happens to be in one of the rainiest parts of the country. That means, more rainy days!
But even if it rains in La Fortuna, you can still do many of the activities. The major impact of rain though is that you are likely to miss out on the majestic views of the Arenal volcano that rises from the ground and pierces into the sky.
December to April constitutes the dry season, while rainy season lasts from May to November. However, it is difficult to predict the weather in La Fortuna. We have been to La Fortuna several times over the past years and have experienced varying weather conditions, irrespective of the season. For example, we have had rain washed days in February and bright sunny days with clear skies in August.
Plan your La Fortuna trip during the dry season to reduce your chances of getting rainy days. But our suggestion is to be flexible with your itinerary so that you can swap out activities between days based on weather conditions.
Related Reading: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Hotels in La Fortuna and Arenal
La Fortuna is one of the most popular tourist towns in Costa Rica. So, you will find accommodations of all types and budgets, ranging from hostels to luxury. Some resorts have their own thermal water pools which guests have unlimited access to.
💡 For different factors to help you choose where to stay and our hotel recommendations, read our La Fortuna and Arenal hotels guide.
High-end
- The Springs Resort & Spa: This is a high-end luxury hotel with more than two dozen hot spring pools, a spa and 5 onsite restaurants. The property has excellent views of the Arenal Volcano and the valley. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
- Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa: This is a romantic high-end hotel offering luxury spa treatments and several thermal water pools. Rooms have modern decor and amenities, and there are onsite restaurants and bars. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
- Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa: Another high-end hotel with 25 thermal pools, stylish suites, onsite restaurants and bars. The waterslides and options of activities make this hotel a great choice for families and groups. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
Mid-Range
- Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort: One of the first hot springs resorts of La Fortuna and Arenal, this hotel offers rooms with scenic views, gourmet restaurant, swim-up bar, natural hot spring and a luxury spa. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
- Arenal Observatory Lodge: This nature lodge is located in the Arenal Conservation Area and offers great views of the Arenal Volcano. Apart from nicely appointed rooms, onsite restaurant and bar with great views, they have nice nature trails and excellent birding opportunities. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
- Hotel Lomas del Volcan: The hotel offers neatly done spacious cottages, some with their own private hot tubs. You get great views of the volcano from the property, and the onsite restaurant offers delicious fare including an elaborate complimentary breakfast. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
Budget
- Hotel Secreto La Fortuna: A good value for money accommodation option in La Fortuna town, for all the amenities that you may need, from air-conditioned rooms with volcano or pool views, private bathrooms, WiFi, parking and included breakfast. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
- La Palmera Real Lodge: This is a budget option very close to town, with no-frills stay in rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi and parking, shared kitchen and shared lounge. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
Restaurants in La Fortuna and Arenal
If you like to have choices for eating out, you will not be disappointed with La Fortuna and Arenal.
There are several restaurants clustered around the town center, and also down the roads and lanes. From lounge bars to cute cafes, from budget Peruvian to fancy Costa Rican, you will find all sorts of dining options spread across town.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Soda Tita Rosa: Local family owned soda
- Tierra Mia: Fusion Costa Rican cuisine
- Chipotle’s Tex Mex: Great tacos!
- Chifa La Familia Feliz: Peruvian and Chinese fusion
- Pollo Fortuñeno: Good steaks and burgers, chilled craft beer
- Chocolate Fusion: Delicious chocolates and coffee
Check out our restaurant guides for other popular destinations in Costa Rica:
- Monteverde best restaurants
- Uvita and Dominical best restaurants
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca best restaurants
How to Get to La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a popular destination on most common Costa Rica itineraries.
Depending on where you are coming from, read our detailed guides about La Fortuna transfers here:
- San Jose to La Fortuna
- Liberia to La Fortuna
- Monteverde to La Fortuna
Irrespective of where your trip starts, San Jose Airport or Liberia Airport, it is easy to fit La Fortuna in your plan. From either airports, it take about 2.5-3 hours by driving to get to La Fortuna.
To be fully able to explore Costa Rica, we always recommend renting a car.
✅ Recommended: Adobe Rent A Car, a 100% Costa Rican company with transparent pricing. Reserve here and get 10% discount and other freebies
🚗 Other options: Compare deals on Rentalcars.com by Booking.com
Read this: Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?
However, if you prefer not to drive, you can either take the public bus or a shared or private shuttle transfer in a minivan. In that case, for getting around within La Fortuna and around, opt for taxi or Uber. For organized tours, most tour providers include hotel pickup and drop-off in the tour cost and itinerary. Check before booking.
Use this search box below to find your private or shared shuttle transfer to La Fortuna.
Related Readings:
- 2 week itinerary – from San Jose airport
- 10 day itinerary – from Liberia airport
- 5 days itinerary ideas – from San Jose or Liberia
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna is very touristy with tailor-made activities and attractions to entice all kinds of travelers. But with so much to do in such beautiful surroundings, there are good enough reasons why tourists throng this popular destination.
Over the years, we have been to La Fortuna and Arenal several times. Yet we keep returning, to pursue new activities or to rediscover attractions in a new way. What remains a constant across all our trips is getting mesmerized by the glorious views of the Arenal volcano.
Share with us in the comments below. Are you planning to visit La Fortuna anytime soon? What activities are you most looking forward to? If you have already been to Arenal and La Fortuna, how was your experience?
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